IWI Says Thailand Has Deployed Its ARBEL Anti-Drone System

Israel Weapons Industry (IWI) says it delivered an ARBEL Anti-Drone System to Thailand’s Ministry of Defense, and that Thailand deployed it after integration and training. The company describes the system as operational for daytime and nighttime use.

Key details

• IWI says Thailand integrated ARBEL by replacing the lower receiver on existing rifles, allowing upgrades without replacing the full inventory.
• The company says ARBEL works with AR-15-type rifles and light machine guns and does not require a particular optic.
• IWI says four Southeast Asian countries are at different stages of procurement, but it has named only Thailand.
• IWI says it held several demonstrations in Southeast Asia during the year and is discussing possible additional orders with Thailand.
• IWI is part of Israel’s SK Group.

IWI says Thailand integrated ARBEL by replacing the lower receiver on existing rifles.

Why it matters

The lower-receiver replacement approach lets Thailand adapt existing rifles rather than replace them. IWI’s reported demonstrations and procurement activity point to interest in the system beyond Thailand, although the company has not identified the other countries.